Claude Galle (French, 1759-1846) "Allegory of Meditation"

Circa 1812. French ormolu mantel clock. Gilt and patinaed bronze and marble. Painted porcelain dial.
Bronzer: Galle.
Clockmaker: Thomas a Paris.
Enameller: Dubuisson.
Description: c. 1812 French ormolu, patinated and variegated green marble mantle clock. A female figure reads while casually leaning on the clock. The sides of the clock have typical Galle style acanthus leaf decorative elements and the front carries a freeze that depicts father time and the personification of study.
Notes: One of the foremost bronziers and fondeur-ciseleurs of the late Louis XVI and Empire periods, Claude Galle was born at Villepreux near Versailles. He served his apprenticeship in Paris under the fondeur Pierre Foy, and in 1784 married Foy's daughter. In 1786 he became a maitre-fondeur. After the death of his father-in-law in 1788, Galle took over his workshop, soon turning it into one the finest, and employing approximately 400 craftsmen. Galle moved to Quai de la Monnaie (later Quai de l'Unite), and then in 1805 to 60 Rue Vivienne.